Malaysian university accused of paying to kill stray dogs on campus
An environmental NGO has accused Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) of paying a private company to shoot and poison stray dogs on campus, allegedly killing 23 animals in two separate operations.
- NGO PEKA accused Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) of ordering the killings of stray dogs.
- Invoice shows UPM allegedly paid RM400 (US$85) per dog for “capture and removal.”
- Police, education ministry, and DVS urged to investigate alleged animal cruelty and firearms offences.
SERDANG, SELANGOR — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is facing public outrage after a Malaysian environmental NGO accused the institution of hiring a private firm to shoot and poison stray dogs on its campus, allegedly killing 23 animals in two separate operations.
At a press conference on 5 October, the Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (PEKA) claimed that UPM had paid a pest control company, PCH Care Services, to carry out two rounds of dog culling in December 2024 and January 2025.
Deputy president Dr Kartini Farah Rahim alleged that 15 dogs were killed in the first operation and three more in the second, adding that the animals were shot and poisoned.
PEKA presented an invoice dated 29 November 2024, allegedly issued to UPM’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Office, showing a charge of RM400 (US$85) per dog for “capture and removal.”
Accusations of animal cruelty and illegal firearm use
The NGO said it has photographic evidence showing the dogs were shot, which would constitute a breach of Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, prohibiting unnecessary suffering or killing of animals.
PEKA also raised the possibility that firearms were used without proper licensing, potentially violating the Arms Act 1960 or Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.
The group urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to open an immediate investigation.
Witness accounts and public reaction
Independent animal rescuer Shima Aris backed PEKA’s claims, alleging that UPM “murdered” 23 dogs, including five poisoned puppies.
She said the operations occurred around midnight, and that students reported hearing gunshots echoing across the campus.
Carcasses were allegedly found scattered around the grounds, though it remains unclear where the remains were disposed of.
Social media users have since condemned the alleged killings, calling for accountability and stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.
University under pressure to respond
As of publication, UPM has not issued an official statement addressing the accusations. PEKA has demanded that all culling operations be suspended until a full investigation is complete.
The controversy has reignited debate over animal management practices at public institutions and the ethical treatment of strays in Malaysia.
